12th Street Beach

White sand beach
QVJC+WM Miami Beach, FL, USA
453 miles from Panama City Beach, FL
Cleanliness
Water quality
Crowded
Impressions
Overall
Grades suggested by our reviewer
Water Quality
Unknown (read more)
Topless beach
LGBT-friendly

Beach amenities

  • WCPublic restrooms nearby
  • RestaurantsF&B places nearby
  • PlaygroundKids will have fun!
  • LifeguardsLifeguard on duty
  • SunbedsBeach chairs available
  • ParkingCar parking nearby
  • ShowerPublic showers available
👉 Download a FREE PDF map

About this beach

Warnings and hazards

Some women swim and sunbathe topless here.

Arrive early if you want to get a parking space and have a nice spot on the beach.

This lovely place with fantastic, clear water and clean, white sand is one of the best beaches in South Beach, Miami. Visited mostly by gay men, 12th Street Beach is also popular with lesbians and some straight women who feel more relaxed to swim and sunbathe topless here than on beaches with straight men.

The vibe is really good and everyone is enjoying the moment. Don’t be mistaken, you don’t have to be gay to come and have a good time – just be friendly and open-minded and you’re welcome!

Location and Access

The beach is located on 12th Street in Miami Beach, Florida. Look for the rainbow flags near the lifeguard stations and you’ll find it. Parking can be really difficult – there are too many people as this is a very central area. Taking a taxi or a CitiBike or walking are the options to consider. If you decide to go by car anyway, make sure you arrive very early.

Facilities

There are the most basic amenities to make your visit comfortable. They include public restrooms (you can find them closer to the street) and shower stations for rinsing off the sand. You can also get some food at food concessions on site. If you have kids, they’ll have a blast at the beach’s playground. 12th Street Beach is well-maintained and equipped with trash cans for recycling as well as for trash.

Sand and Water

If you want to occupy a nice spot near the ocean, you should arrive early – the beach often gets busy. There are beach chairs, umbrellas, and even towels for rent. The sand is clean and white and the water is unbelievably clear, warm, and so inviting! Most of the time, it is absolutely calm. And here are some great news for those concerned about safety – there are lifeguards on duty.

Other Activities

For sports enthusiasts, there are volleyball nets and pull-up bars. For those seeking some calm, there are nice benches under the swaying palms. Good spots for people watching. Besides, there are many entertainments within walking distance. For example, you can go to the Palace Restaurant & Bar for a drag show, which is very popular and takes place every day.

Shopping and dining places are also all around the area. If you happen to be here in March, don’t miss the Winter Party, the biggest gay beach party in North America.

Driving Time

  • 35 minutes from Miami, FL
  • 50 minutes from Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • 2 hours 30 minutes from Fort Myers, FL

Hotels and rentals

If you're considering staying for one or even a few nights, there are plenty of options available near the beach. Chose your preferred accomodation type and your favourite room provider:

Beaches nearby

Additionally, there's a number of beaches near 12th Street Beach which you can visit:

Beach reviewed by:
Siobhan
Photos from Google Maps
Miami aerial view12th Street BeachLifeguard station on the beach12th Street BeachSunbeds on the beach
Show rooms near this beach×

12th Street Beach videos

Miami Beach Weekend
An amazing drone made video of the beach city
Walking along Miami Beach coast
A wonderful video of the beach

Weather conditions

Current weather at the beach and 3 day forecast

Best times to visit

Average temperature (°F)
Beach map and directions
The beach is located in Miami Beach, Florida QVJC+WM Miami Beach, FL, USA (Open on Google Maps)
Drag and zoom the map to view lodging options near the beach.
Other beaches nearby
Explore other beaches near Miami Beach, Florida
Lummus Park Beach
Miami Beach, Florida
0 mi away
South Beach
Miami Beach, Florida
1 mi away
12th Street Beach reviews and photos
Reviewed on: February 9, 2020